Political signs pulled up and tents damaged at Wildcat Den

Friday

Jul 25, 2014 at 5:18 PM

Several political signs were pulled from the ground and two canopies damaged in front of the Oak Ridge early voting site Tuesday.

by Russel Langley/The Oak Ridger

Several political signs were pulled from the ground and two canopies damaged in front of the Oak Ridge early voting site Tuesday.According to an Oak Ridge Police Department report, Don Carson and Denny Phillips were listed as the victims in the crime. Phillips is a candidate for County Commission in the 7th District. He is one of several challengers facing incumbent Commissioner Jerry Creasey.The officer indicated that the crime appeared to be simple vandalism and not politically motivated. The early voting site is the Oak Ridge Community Center, Wildcat Den, 102 Robertsville Road.In a phone interview, Phillips said that Carson owned the tent being used by Anderson County School Board member Steve Fritts who is seeking re-election. Phillips said in addition to the signs being pulled up, some of the legs of the tents were damaged and some tables and chairs were turned over.“One of Don Carson’s tables was broken,” Phillips said.When asked if he felt if it was politically motivated, Phillips hesitated but said that he was willing to go with what the officer said about simple vandalism.Russel Langley can be reached at (865) 220-5514.